Human exposure to microplastics via the consumption of nonalcoholic beverages in various packaging materials: The case of Hong Kong.

There is growing concern over microplastics in food and beverages, with potential implications for human health. However, little is known about microplastics in nonwater, nonalcoholic packaged beverages. This study addresses this research gap by implementing a dual-method approach that includes laboratory analysis to quantify microplastics in 50 packaged nonalcoholic beverages sold in Hong Kong, coupled with a beverage frequency questionnaire survey to provide a more accurate estimate of microplastic intake from these beverages. The beverages analysed spanned five categories-juice drinks, ready-to-drink teas, soda waters, soft drinks, and sports and energy drinks-and were packaged in four forms: aluminium cans, aseptic cartons, plastic bottles and glass bottles. The results showed that all beverage samples contained microplastics, with an average abundance of 42.1 ± 41.2 n/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 17.8-54.1 n/L), and these particles were predominantly smaller than 150 µm in size. Additionally, based on an annual beverage consumption rate of 157.3 ± 209.7 L/capita (IQR: 42.9-183.0 L/capita), it is estimated that Hong Kong adults ingest approximately 6200 microplastics per capita each year. The potential primary sources of these microplastics are atmospheric fallout and the packaging materials that endure mechanical stresses during the manufacturing and transportation of beverages. Compared to other known routes of exposure, including air, seafood, sugar, salt and honey, packaged nonalcoholic beverages present a comparable level of microplastic exposure, being lower than the first three but higher than the latter two. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of smaller microplastics in the samples is concerning. This study is considered to be important for food safety and human health, as it not only raises public awareness about microplastic contamination in packaged beverages but also serves as a call to action for the beverage industry to adopt more robust safety measures and for policymakers to revise packaging standards to reduce microplastic contamination and safeguard public health.

Pearl millet flour and green gram milk based probiotic beverage.

The probiotic beverage was developed using germinated and ungerminated pearl millet flour and green gram milk. The germinated and ungerminated pearl millet flour was added to green gram milk at different concentrations (0.5-2.5 %) along with sugar and cardamom. The mixtures were then inoculated with probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus incubated at 37 °C for 6 h. Characterization of probiotic beverages was carried out during storage at (4 ± 1)°C for 21 days. The germinated flour beverage had high acidity as compared to the ungerminated flour beverage. The probiotic count in germinated and ungerminated flour beverages ranged from 8.19 to 8.77 × 107 and 8.04 to 8.52 × 107 log CFU/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity, polyphenol content increased with an increase in the concentration of flour in the beverage. The LC-MS analysis found the existence of vitexin and isovitexin as the main polyphenolic compounds in the probiotic beverage. Non-dairy probiotic beverage prepared with 0.5 % germinated millet flour gave the best taste, color, texture, and rheological properties.

Food for Thought: Optical Sensor Arrays and Machine Learning for the Food and Beverage Industry.

Arrays of cross-reactive sensors, combined with statistical or machine learning analysis of their multivariate outputs, have enabled the holistic analysis of complex samples in biomedicine, environmental science, and consumer products. Comparisons are frequently made to the mammalian nose or tongue and this perspective examines the role of sensing arrays in analyzing food and beverages for quality, veracity, and safety. I focus on optical sensor arrays as low-cost, easy-to-measure tools for use in the field, on the factory floor, or even by the consumer. Novel materials and approaches are highlighted and challenges in the research field are discussed, including sample processing/handling and access to significant sample sets to train and test arrays to tackle real issues in the industry. Finally, I examine whether the comparison of sensing arrays to noses and tongues is helpful in an industry defined by human taste.

Aqueous biphasic systems developed with deep eutectic solvents and polymer for the efficient extraction of pigments from beverages.

Novel aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) developed with benzyl-based quaternary ammonium salts-deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) were herein proposed. The liquid-liquid equilibrium and the partitioning behavior of pigments in the systems were addressed. The results suggested that the shorter the carbon chain length of the DES, the easier to form two phases. The analysis of mixed samples showed that the selective separation was achieved in the ABSs, including 99.47% of tartrazine in the DES-rich phase and 98.47% of sudan III in the PPG-rich phase. Additionally, the systems were successfully applied to the extraction of pigments from the actual beverage samples with recoveries ranging from 93.43% to 102.15%. Furthermore, the study on the separation mechanism indicated that the hydrogen bonding played a significant role in the separation process. All the above results highlight the proposed DES/polymer-based ABSs have great advantages in selective and high-performance separation of pigments from beverages.

Identifying sources of variation in added sugar intake for Alaska Native children using a hair biomarker.

Sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are an important risk factor for tooth decay. The study goal was to determine if there was variation in added sugar intake across communities and between and within households. In this cross-sectional study, intakes of total sugar, added sugar, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were estimated for 282 Alaska Native children ages 0-10 years from 131 households in three Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta communities using biomarker equations based on hair carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios previously developed for the Yup'ik population. ANOVA was used to assess associations between each predictor (community and household) and outcome (estimated total sugars, added sugars, and SSB intake). Between- and within-household variation was estimated using a linear mixed-effects model with a random intercept for households with three or more children. There was no significant difference in mean estimated total sugar (p = 0.29), added sugar (p = 0.24), or SSB intake (p = 0.40) across communities. Significant variations were observed between and within households, with within-household variation amounting to 59% of the between-household variation. Added sugar intake in Alaska Native children from the three study communities is higher than the recommended maximum, and the variation is greater within households than between households.

Multiplexed colorimetry collaborated with smartphone-based image analysis for simultaneous and fast visualization of dyes in both environmental and food samples.

In this work, a multiplexed colorimetric strategy was initiated for simultaneous and fast visualization of dyes using low-cost and easy-to-prepare indicator papers as sorbents. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to model statistically and optimize the process variables for dyes extraction and colorimetric assays. Multiplexed colorimetry was realized by virtue of synchronous color alignments from different dimensions of multiple dyes co-stained colorimetric cards under RSM-optimized conditions, and smartphone-based image analysis was subsequently performed from different modes to double-check the credibility of colorimetric assays. As concept-to-proof trials, simultaneous visualization of dyes in both beverages and simulated dye effluents was experimentally proved with results highly matched to HPLC or spiked amounts at RSM-predicted staining time as short as 50 s ∼3 min, giving LODs as low as 0.97 ± 0.22/0.18 ± 0.08 µg/mL (tartrazine/brilliant blue) for multiplexed colorimetry, which much lower than those obtained by single colorimetry. Since this is the first case to propose such a RSM-guided multiplexed colorimetric concept, it will provide a reference for engineering of other all-in-one devices which can realize synchronous visualization applications within limited experimental steps.

Mid-Infrared Photothermal Spectroscopy for the Detection of Caffeine in Beverages.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant and is the subject of significant ongoing research and discussions due to its impact on human health. The industry's need to comply with country-specific food and beverage regulations underscores the importance of monitoring caffeine levels in commercial products. In this study, we propose an alternative technique for caffeine analysis that relies on mid-infrared laser-based photothermal spectroscopy (PTS). PTS exploits the high-power output of the quantum cascade laser (QCL) sources to enhance the sensitivity of the mid-IR measurement. The laser-induced thermal gradient in the sample scales with the analytes' absorption coefficient and concentration, thus allowing for both qualitative and quantitative assessment. We evaluated the performance of our experimental PTS spectrometer, incorporating a tunable QCL and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, for detecting caffeine in coffee, black tea, and an energy drink. We calibrated the setup with caffeine standards (0.1-2.5 mg mL-1) and we benchmarked the setup's capabilities against gas chromatography (GC) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Quantitative results aligned with GC analysis, and limits of detection matched the research-grade FTIR spectrometer, indicating an excellent performance of our custom-made instrument. This method offers an alternative to established techniques, providing a platform for fast, sensitive, and non-destructive analysis without consumables as well as with high potential for miniaturization.

Quantifying chemical correlations between fruits and processed fruit products: A non-targeted analysis approach.

Juices and beverages are produced by industry for long-distance distribution and shelf-stability, providing valuable nutrients. However, their nutritional value is often underestimated due to insufficient analytical methods. We have employed non-targeted analysis through a standardized analytical protocol, taking advantage of Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) technique and a novel Chromatographic Retention Behavior (CRB) data deconvolution algorithm. After analyzing 9 fruits and their products, correlations between fruits and their juices are accurately digitalized by similarities of their LC-MS fingerprints. We also specify non-targeted molecules primarily associate with nutrient loss in these analyzed juice products, including nitrogenous nutrients, flavonoids, glycosides, and vitamins. Moreover, we unveiled previously unreported fruit-characteristic metabolites, of which reconstituted-from-concentrate (RFC) juices contain over 40% of the content found in their fresh counterparts. Conclusively, our method establishes a quantitative benchmark for rational selection of RFC juices to substitute natural fruits.

Sweetened Beverages, Genetic Susceptibility, and Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: An association between sweetened beverages and several cardiometabolic diseases has been reported, but their association with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), artificially sweetened beverages (ASB), and pure fruit juice (PJ) and risk of consumption with AF risk and further evaluate whether genetic susceptibility modifies these associations. METHODS: A total of 201 856 participants who were free of baseline AF, had genetic data available, and completed a 24-hour diet questionnaire were included. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 9.9 years, 9362 incident AF cases were documented. Compared with nonconsumers, individuals who consumed >2 L/wk of SSB or ASB had an increased risk of AF (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.01-1.20] and HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.10-1.31]) in the multivariable-adjusted model. A negative association was observed between the consumption of ≤1 L/wk of PJ and the risk of AF (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.87-0.97]). The highest HRs (95% CIs) of AF were observed for participants at high genetic risk who consumed >2 L/wk of ASB (HR, 3.51 [95% CI, 2.94-4.19]), and the lowest HR were observed for those at low genetic risk who consumed ≤1 L/wk of PJ (HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65-0.92]). No significant interactions were observed between the consumption of SSB, ASB, or PJ and genetic predisposition to AF. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of SSB and ASB at >2 L/wk was associated with an increased risk for AF. PJ consumption ≤1 L/wk was associated with a modestly lower risk for AF. The association between sweetened beverages and AF risk persisted after adjustment for genetic susceptibility to AF. This study does not demonstrate that consumption of SSB and ASB alters AF risk but rather that the consumption of SSB and ASB may predict AF risk beyond traditional risk factors.

Dissecting new lipids and their composition in herbal tea using untargeted LC/MS.

Herbal teas and beverages have gained global attention because they are rich in natural bioactive compounds, which are known to have diverse biological effects, including antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. However, the lipidomic profiles of herbal teas remain unclear. In this study, we applied an untargeted lipidomics approach using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry to comprehensively profile, compare, and identify unknown lipids in four herbal teas: dokudami, kumazasa, sugina, and yomogi. A total of 341 molecular species from five major classes of lipids were identified. Multivariate principal component analysis revealed distinct lipid compositions for each of the herbs. The fatty acid α-linolenic acid (FA 18:3) was found to be abundant in kumazasa, whereas arachidonic acid (FA 20:4) was the most abundant in sugina. Interestingly, novel lipids were discovered for the first time in plants; specifically, short-chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs) with 4-hydroxy phenyl nonanoic acid as the structural core. This study provides insight into the lipidomic diversity and potential bioactive lipid components of herbal teas, offering a foundation for further research into their health-promoting properties and biological significance.

Consumption Patterns of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Association with Undernutrition among Children Aged 9-17 Years in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, the high consumption levels of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and their effect on health have drawn significant attention. This study aimed to identify the consumption patterns of SSBs among children in rural areas of Guangzhou, China, and explore their association with undernutrition. A total of 1864 children aged 9-17 years old were included in this study. Demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and anthropometric and dietary information were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify patterns of SSBs, while nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI). Latent class analysis was used to establish dietary preference models. Log-binomial regression analysis was used to analyze the association between SSBs consumption patterns and undernutrition. The undernutrition prevalence in children was 14.54-19.94% in boys and 9.07% in girls. Three SSB consumption patterns were identified, including the plant protein pattern, dairy-containing pattern, and coffee pattern. Both medium-high (Q3) and the highest (Q4) scores in the dairy-containing pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition, especially in boys. Furthermore, the highest scores in the plant protein pattern and coffee pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition in children aged 9-10 years old. The dairy-containing pattern was a risk factor for undernutrition in children, especially for boys; the plant protein patterns and coffee patterns were risk factors for undernutrition in children aged 9-10 years old. The findings of the study can provide scientific evidence and policy recommendations for improving children's health conditions.

Development and characterization of physical stability, glycemic index, flow behaviors, and antioxidant activity of finger millet-based beverage.

Millets are gaining attention as a superfood due to their higher nutritional value and cost-effectiveness. In this regard, extraction condition for the development of finger millet-based beverage was optimized using a central composite design. Soaking time (X1) and temperature (X2) in the range of 5-10 h and 40-60°C, respectively, were the independent variables taken for three responses, namely, yield, total solids, and sedimentation index. The optimized conditions are best fitted in quadratic model (R2 0.91) for all the dependent variables. Accordingly, the optimized levels selected for soaking time and temperature were 10 h and 60°C respectively, resulting in the yield (Y1) of 91.86% ± 0.94%, total solids (Y2) of 17.72% ± 0.56%, and sedimentation index (Y3) of 12.18% ± 0.06%. Further, xanthan gum (0.5%) and jaggery powder (5%) were added in the optimized beverage to improve its physicochemical and functional properties. Xanthan gum improved the physical stability and rheological properties of the beverage, whereas jaggery improved the flavor and phenolic content of the same. The optimized beverage had a good amount of phenolic content (53.70 µg GAE/mL), antioxidant activity (DPPH 13.76 µmol/mL), zeta potential (-19.8 mV), and glycemic index (57). The flow curve of beverages was obtained using power law model, and result indicated good consistency index (k = 0.7716 Pa s) with flow behavior (n = 0.3411) depicted its pseudoplastic nature. The optimized extraction condition significantly reduced the antinutrients, tannin, and phytic content by 47% and 14%, respectively, in optimized beverage than control.

A review of endocrine disrupting chemicals migration from food contact materials into beverages.

A significant and pressing issue revolves around the potential human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which pose a substantial risk primarily through contaminated beverages. However, a comprehensive review for comparison of the migration rates of EDCs into these matrixes is currently lacking. This study reviews the beverages contamination with EDCs, including phthalates (PAEs), bisphenol A (BPA), hormone-like compounds, elements, and other organic EDCs. Also, the EDCs migration into milk and other dairy products, coffee, tea, and cold beverages related to their release from contact materials, preparation components, and storage conditions are briefly summarized. The data illustrates that besides the contamination of raw materials, the presence of EDCs associated with the type of food contact materials (FCMs)and their migration rate is increased with acidity, temperature, and storage time. The highest concentration of PAEs was detected from plastic and synthetic polymer films, while BPA strongly leaches from epoxy resins and canned metal. Furthermore, the presence of elements with endocrine disrupting characteristics was confirmed in cold beverages, soft drinks, hot drink and milk. Moreover, hormone-like compounds have been found to be released from coffee preparation components. Despite the few data about the migration rate of other EDCs including UV-stabilizers, surfactants, and antibacterial compounds into beverages, their presence was reported into milk, coffee, and different beverages, especially in packed samples. Studies on the EDCs leaching have primarily focused on PAEs and BPA, while other compounds require further investigation. Regardless, the possible risk that EDCs pose to humans through beverage consumption cannot be overlooked.

Method for Glucose and Fructose Quantitation in Beverages Using an Off-the-Shelf Glucose Test Strip.

A method was developed for quantifying both glucose and fructose in solutions and grape juice using commercially available glucose test strips connected to a mini-potentiostat. The first step of this sensing approach involved exposing the sample solution to an Accu Chek Aviva glucose test strip, which allowed for the direct quantitation of glucose. To quantify fructose, the solution was exposed to glucose isomerase, which led to the conversion of glucose to fructose and vice versa until an equilibrium was reached. Once equilibrium was reached, the solution was exposed to another glucose test strip; the signal obtained was shown to be related to the total amounts of glucose and fructose in solution. Finally, fructose was quantified by subtracting the glucose concentration (from the initial measurement) from the total concentration of glucose and fructose (from the second measurement after the reaction with glucose isomerase). The method yielded a limit of detection of 0.047 g L-1 for glucose and 0.49 g L-1 for fructose. Importantly, this method was shown to work well for analyzing glucose and fructose concentration in grape juice, which contains >60 g L-1 glucose and fructose. Since the ratio of glucose and fructose concentration in ripe grapes is close to 1, this method can be used to aid in the determination of grape ripeness to guide harvesting times.

Effect of different sterilization methods on the appearance, composition, and flavor of sugarcane juice.

Cold-pressed sugarcane juice (SCJ) is a beverage rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. Various sterilization methods impact fruit juice's appearance, nutrients, and flavor. Hence, this study aims to assess how different sterilization techniques affect the flavor, appearance, and nutritional value of SCJ. Freshly prepared SCJs were subjected to two sterilization methods: pasteurization (referred to as PTG) and autoclaving (referred to as HTHP). The pasteurization process was carried out at 63°C for 30 min, whereas the HTHP process was applied at 115°C for 30 min. The appearances, Brix value, colors, sugar, organic acid content, and aromatic compounds were determined. The Brix and pH values of the juice show little variation across different heat treatments. The color index of PTG was similar to that of the control group, whereas the L* value of HTHP increased about 21%, resulting in a significant color change. The glucose and fructose contents of HTHP were 7.03 and 5.41 mg/mL, which were much higher than those of PTG (3.26 and 2.33 mg/mL) and control group (3.33 and 2.48 mg/mL). A total of 77 aromatic compounds were identified in the SCJ after various heat treatments. Among them, pentanoic acid, octanal, and ß-damascenone were the most abundant substances contributing to the overall flavor in the control group, PTG, and HTHP. Pasteurization preserved the original flavor of the juice, whereas autoclaving triggered the Maillard reaction, forming pyrazine and furan-like compounds that altered the SCJ's flavor. In conclusion, pasteurization retained SCJ's original characteristics, whereas HTHP induces changes in nutrition and imparts a distinct flavor.

Covalent organic framework reinforced hollow fiber bar for extraction and detection of bisphenols from beverages.

Bisphenols (BPs) can migrate from packaging materials into foods, resulting in potentially harmful residues. For example, accumulation of BPs is associated with endocrine disorders. Owing to matrix effects, development of an effective and eco-friendly sample pretreatment would be helpful for BPs detection in beverages packed in plastic containers. In this work, an extraction bar, composed of hollow fiber (HF) functionalized with covalent organic frameworks (COF@Tp-NDA) and 1-ocanol, was prepared for extraction of five BPs simultaneously. The synergistic effect of COF@Tp-NDA and 1-octanol improved the extraction efficiency of BPs from milk-based beverage, juice, and tea beverage. Under optimal conditions, limits of detection ranged from 0.10 to 2.00 ng mL-1 (R2 ≥ 0.9974) and recoveries ranged from 70.1 % to 106.8 %. This method has the potential to enrich BPs, supporting their accurate determination in complex beverages.

Smartphone-Controlled Aptasensor for Voltammetric Detection of Patulin in Apple Juice.

Patulin (PAT) is a mycotoxin that adversely affects the health of humans and animals. PAT can be particularly found in products such as apples and apple juice and can cause many health problems if consumed. Therefore, accurate and sensitive determination of PAT is very important for food quality and human and animal health. A voltammetric aptasensor was introduced in this study for PAT determination while measuring the changes at redox probe signal. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.18 pg/mL in the range of 1-104 pg/mL of PAT in buffer medium under optimum experimental conditions. The selectivity of the PAT aptasensor against ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and deoxynivalenol mycotoxins was examined and it was found that the aptasensor was very selective to PAT. PAT determination was performed in an apple juice medium for the first time by using a smartphone-integrated portable device, and accordingly, an LOD of 0.47 pg/mL was achieved in diluted apple juice medium. A recovery range of 91.24-93.47% was obtained for PAT detection.

Effects of grape juice intake on the cell migration properties in overweight women: Modulation mechanisms of cell migration in vitro by delphinidin-3-O-glucoside.

Overweight and obesity are typical conditions of chronic low-intensity systemic inflammatory responses, and both have become more common in recent decades, which emphasizes the necessity for healthier diet intake. Fruits such as grapes are rich in anthocyanins, one of which is delphinidin, a promising chemopreventive agent with anti-inflammatory properties. Considering that polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) are rapidly mobilized to tissues when the inflammatory process is initiated, this study aimed to understand the impact of grape juice intake and delphinidin on the migration properties of PMNs. Overweight women ingested 500 mL of grape juice for 28 days, and then lipid and inflammatory profiles, as well as the white blood cell count (WBC), were evaluated. Additionally, the gene expression of inflammatory markers and quantified migration molecules such as CD11/CD18, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were evaluated in PMNs. The influence of delphinidin-3-O-glucoside in vitro on some migration properties was also evaluated. Grape juice intake did not influence the lipid profile or affect the WBC. However, NFκB gene expression was reduced in PMNs, also reducing the circulating values of IL-8, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1. The in vitro results demonstrated that delphinidin significantly reduced the migration potential of cells and reduced CD11-/CD18-positive cells, the gene expression of ICAM-1, and the phosphorylation and gene expression of NFκB. Additionally, delphinidin also reduced the production of IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2. Grape juice, after 28 days of intervention, influenced some properties related to cell migration, and delphinidin in vitro can modify the cell migration properties.

Comparison of a Daily Steviol Glycoside Beverage compared with a Sucrose Beverage for Four Weeks on Gut Microbiome in Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that some nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) have deleterious effects on the human gut microbiome (HGM). The effect of steviol glycosides on the HGM has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of stevia- compared with sucrose-sweetened beverages on the HGM and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles. METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blinded, parallel-design study, n = 59 healthy adults [female/male, n = 36/23, aged 31±9 y, body mass index (BMI): 22.6±1.7 kg/m2] consumed 16 oz of a beverage containing either 25% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of stevia or 30 g of sucrose daily for 4 weeks followed by a 4-week washout. At weeks 0 (baseline), 4, and 8, the HGM was characterized via shotgun sequencing, fecal SCFA concentrations were measured using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and anthropometric measurements, fasting serum glucose, insulin and lipids, blood pressure, pulse, and 3-d diet records were obtained. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the HGM or fecal SCFA between the stevia and sucrose groups at baseline (P > 0.05). At week 4 (after intervention), there were no significant differences in the HGM at the phylum, family, genus, or species level between the stevia and sucrose groups and no significant differences in fecal SCFA. At week 4, BMI had increased by 0.3 kg/m2 (P = 0.013) in sucrose compared with stevia, but all other anthropometric and cardiometabolic measures and food intake did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). At week 8 (after washout), there were no significant differences in the HGM, fecal SFCA, or any anthropometric or cardiometabolic measure between the stevia and sucrose groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of a beverage sweetened with 25% of the ADI of stevia for 4 weeks had no significant effects on the HGM, fecal SCFA, or fasting cardiometabolic measures, compared with daily consumption of a beverage sweetened with 30 g of sucrose. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05264636.

Antibacterial effects of various molecular weight chitosans against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in orange juice.

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris has been gaining attention due to its unique thermo-acidophilic properties and being associated with the deterioration of pasteurized beverages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of chitosan with various molecular weights (MWs) (164, 85, 29.2, and 7.1 kDa) and concentrations (0-100 µg/mL) against A. acidoterrestris and its effect on guaiacol production. Various chitosan MWs were co-incubated for 7 days, and the bacterial growth, guaiacol, and vanillic acid contents during storage were determined. The chitosans performed antibacterial effects against A. acidoterrestris. Further, 164 kDa chitosan showed excellent results in controlling the growth and guaiacol formation in A. acidoterrestris. These findings demonstrated the efficacy of chitosan antibacterial activity against A. acidoterrestris and mitigating the guaiacol formation. Chitosan's antibacterial properties are attributed to the elimination of cells and suppression of guaiacol production. This study introduces a new approach for reducing A. acidoterrestris contamination in fruit juices, with potential product quality and safety advantages.